Abstract art strips away the narrative, the real and expected visual story. It requires us to resolve a problem. We want to impose a rational explanation – or see something in abstract art so we feel comfortable. It makes our brains work harder and in a different way – at a subconscious level.

Maybe that’s why some people find abstract art more intimidating and are quick to dismiss it.

If you are interested in learning more about abstract art and how to create abstract paintings, I am in the process of creating my first online course. “Pure Abstract Painting”

This is something I have been wanting to do for many years and will let you know when my course is ready for enrollment.

A few abstract paintings I’ve been working on today. I love the continual changes when working this way.

A small glimpse of paintings in progress for my next exhibition, in April at Yering Station Gallery. I will be showing, new and older paintings and will include an installation of framed photographs, “Spaces Below”, shot in France. The gallery is large and raw with an industrial feel. A perfect space for larger abstracts. All commissions taken from my sold artworks at Yering Station Gallery will be donated to…

Ever wish you could buy that original piece of art but it was just too expensive and out of reach? I know I have.

Have you ever considered prints of your favourite originals?

Even if you can’t afford an original piece of art, purchasing prints can be more affordable and if the original artwork is sold, there may be prints available. It not only brings art into your home but, it also supports the artist community too.

I have recently been setting up my online print shop, where you can now purchase prints of my original artworks.

The source, for all my art prints, are created in my studio by hand, in (Australia) using my original artworks and photographs. Hand drawing, painting, photography and making collage, is all part of the creative process. Then, the prints are ethically produced by my digital printing partners in Melbourne, Australia, USA and London,England. My prints come in many sizes and prices, to suit your budget. All prints are created from the best, fine artist grade, papers, canvas and materials. Each print is clear and vibrant using specialists inks that will last. Your purchase is wrapped carefully then, packaged in sturdy custom- made boxes, so they make it safely to your door. Please see … Worldwide Delivery plus 100% Returns and Exchanges

I am still in the process of creating my online print shop and will gradually add more prints over time. Enjoy your browse!

As a small child I pulled things apart. Even, before I could talk, I ripped apart dolls and toys. I used to make little displays, installations of the fragments and other discarded things. Today I still pull things apart. I find fragments more pleasing and sometimes, even more interesting than the original object.

Recently, I pulled apart an old chair that had been hanging around for years. The wood was still good. The cloth and leather had grit and rust, just perfect for sculpture. The rustic bits and pieces also related to some textile fragments, I unpicked from an 1800’s, quilt topper. I’m still working on outcomes and painting has crept in too. Below are some pics of the process.

After, a much needed break it’s back to work for 2018. I’m getting all geared up for my next solo exhibition, in April. I’m just waiting on a paint delivery and sorting out the studio, before I start the new work.

During my break, I worked on my website and listed more paintings in my Gallery.

I will also be adding more paintings, mixed media and textile pieces shortly.

One of my life- time interests is collecting vintage, antique and found objects. I believe, through objects, stories can be told, and through imagination, new ones found.

Objects and their stories, often inspire my art making too. I deconstruct items for sculpture. Old clothing and antique quilts, are often used in textile pieces, artist books and collage. Aged surfaces and patinas of collections, make their way into my abstract paintings, too.

Lately, I have been asking myself a few questions about, collecting and identity. Especially after the passing of my step father a few years ago, when I had the huge task, of cleaning out his house and shed. Overwhelming at times, the hoard, has found it’s way into my life & studio

Having only known him for a short time, (5yrs) I’ve discovered, through his belongings and objects, a hidden or, new identity.

Strangely , I now find myself imagining, a new “make believe identity” through the objects he hoarded

This has lead me to many questions…

When alive, do we really know a person? and can things and objects help us to see, a new, or different identity?

A few years ago, I changed from oil paints, to acrylics, after I became allergic to the turps. I’m still not used to painting with acrylics as, I just love the lushness, depth and movement of oil paints. Something, I haven’t been able to achieve with acrylics. So, recently I bought some oil painting supplies, eco friendly turps, to see, if I’m still allergic to it.

The life of a Painting.

Oil paint , medium, wax on canvas

Sometimes I think, I should stop earlier, when its fresh and spontaneous, but usually keep going. I just have to trust the process and know, that eventually, I will end up with something I’m happy with.

I will revisit the painting, in a few days time to decide, whether I will take it further. At the moment, I’m feeling, times long past.

For the past decade or so, I have worked with an amazing group of women artists at the old schoolhouse in Badger Crk. Victoria. We meet up weekly to paint, throw around ideas, experiment and play with new, unusual, materials and techniques. This time is invaluable to me, as it, gives me a break from the usual, business side of making art and gets me out of the studio. We chat about our work, share ideas and discuss what’s happening in the world and our lives. Mostly, it’s just a whole lot of fun, mucking around with good friends who happen to love making art.

Lately at the schoolhouse I have been working on some mixed media pieces with paint paper, cloth and thread.

I use thread and needle to make marks through the artwork.

Each stitch leads onto the next, weaving over the painting.

Found papers intermingle with rotted and rusted cloth.

I like to use off- cuts of textile, paper and patterns and throw it against slabs of paint and marks.

In the above artwork I am enjoying the contrast of the piece of vintage cross stitch, I found in an op shop once.

The stitches wander around and find their own place in their own time. I’m not in control and use the thread, as another tool to make marks.

I don want to make embroidery’s and my mistakes can be my jewels.

All these artworks are in progress and not yet finished. Some may just be experiments for fun and to learn from.